Rumor Patrol: Marvel Studios Developing An Eternals Film

A new set of rumors gaining traction suggest the next Marvel Studios franchise could be an adaptation of The Eternals, one of Jack Kirby's key creations. Back in the '70s, Jack Kirby left his position at Marvel Comics where he'd helped to create many of the characters we see on the big screen today alongside Stan Lee. He set up shop at DC and created the New Gods, a completely invented mythology that was to be his magnum opus. Ultimately, DC cancelled the series, but the New Gods—and their counterparts on Apokolips—have continued to play a role in the comics. What's more, but DC is making a New Gods film with Ava DuVernay.

Marvel has found great success in their burgeoning cosmic universe. The Guardians of the Galaxy went from an obscure team to household names, and writer-director James Gunn is shaping Marvel's cosmic future beyond the team. While the Asgardians are sure to play a role in that, it looks like another group of ancient Marvel royalty may soon come to the big screen.

Bleeding Cool is reporting a rumor that MCU Cosmic also reported last week that Marvel is developing a new franchise based around The Eternals. Written and drawn by Kirby himself, The Eternals are a prior group of humanity created by the Celestials during early experiments on Earth. Though they haven't played a large role in the comics, they're certainly a nice counter to DC's New Gods. In fact, Kirby created The Eternals after returning to Marvel from DC after the cancellation of New Gods.

The rumors claim an announcement will be coming soon, which could indicate Marvel is keen to have their own version of the New Gods ready to go alongside DC's film. This means it could be teased or setup in Avengers: Infinity War or perhaps announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July.

Normally, this sort of report should be taken with a grain of salt given the original source of this rumor who reported a false news item earlier that same day but with Bleeding Cool backing it (who were 100% right about Marvel Studios abandoning The Imhumans movie previously despite taking heat for reporting that when they were correct).

With The Eternals, Marvel has a chance to greatly expand their cosmic scope while also playing with source material that's far less established than some of their other books. Neil Gaiman also wrote a run of The Eternals in 2006 that modernized and flesh-out the team. The author has a long history with Marvel on the comics side and could be the perfect creative to join the MCU and help bring the team to life. Currently, he's working as a showrunner on Good Omens for Amazon and will provide some guidance for season 2 of American Gods. So Marvel securing the in-demand creative couldn't come at a better time.

We don't know what Phase 4 of the MCU will look like, but it seems clear at least one cosmic franchise will play a role moving forward. If Marvel is looking for something with intergalactic roots that's different from Guardians of the Galaxy, then The Eternals could be the perfect way to explore the far reaches of the MCU.